Jason Perkins celebrates after a point for Phoenix. PBA IMAGES
Phoenix Super LPG put together a fiery start and an even feistier end to send Terrafirma crashing back to earth, 96-84, in Thursday’s PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga province.
Jason Perkins finished with a game-high 28 points, while Vic Manuel chipped in 18 more to help the Fuel Masters to their third win in eight games as the league’s centerpiece tournament entered a crucial, frantic phase.
“We had to accept that we’re no longer the old [Phoenix] team,” said Phoenix coach Topex Robinson, whose charges stopped the streaking foes and tie the Dyip along the fringes of the Top 8 of the race.
Playing its first game in the PBA Philippine Cup restart, NorthPort bamboozled Blackwater, 98-73.
The Batang Pier rose to 2-3 against a Bossing squad that couldn’t compete even against a team whose coaching staff was decimated by COVID-19.
“I was impressed with how dedicated these players are,” said team manager Bonnie Tan, who was filling in for Pido Jarencio who, along with his staff, continue to recuperate after getting infected with COVID-19.
“I saw them execute the coaches’ practice plans. I saw their positive outlook so I was confident coming into this game,” he added.
“We’re professionals. We already know what to do,” said Robert Bolick, the club’s young cornerstone who led the way with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds to go with rookie Jamie Malonzo’s 17 and 12.